The changing labor market

Climate protection requires qualified individuals who actively shape a sustainable future. Here you can find out how it can work.

The changing labor market: the impact of the energy transition and climate adaptation

A look into the future of the labor market

As part of a current study, the QuBe project (project of the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training together with the IAB Qualification and Occupational Projections), research is being conducted into how the energy transition, the consequences of climate change and the necessary adaptation measures  will affect the demand for workers in Germany up to 2040. The projections offer a comprehensive insight into possible developments in the labor market, based on observed trends, identified correlations and assumptions about future framework conditions.

Rising demand due to energy transition and climate adaptation

The results are clear: in order to achieve the energy transition, between 102,000 and 157,000 additional skilled workers will be needed by 2040. In addition, around 42,000 more employees are needed to implement the measures to adapt to the consequences of climate change. Demand for workers is growing particularly strongly in areas such as construction, energy supply, agriculture and forestry – sectors that are directly affected by climate protection and adaptation measures.

Structural change and demographic challenges

At the same time, the demand for skilled workers in other sectors is also changing: due to structural change, demand is falling in some sectors, while the overall supply of labor is decreasing as a result of demographic change. This creates a tense situation on the labor market: although jobs are becoming available in some sectors, the qualifications and regional availability of workers do not automatically match the newly emerging requirements.

Energy transition and structural change offer opportunities for international specialists

In addition to training and continuing education to prepare employees for the demands of the future, there are a wide range of opportunities for international skilled workers in forward-looking fields such as climate protection and climate adaptation. 
The detailed assessment by the Institute for Employment Research (IAB) is available online (in German only).
 

Source IAB Forum